The world’s most exorbitantly priced rice is a Japanese blend (no surprise there) called Kinmemai Premium, which was launched last year. To give you an idea of just how costly it is, the rice was actually listed in last year’s Guinness World Records as the most expensive rice in the world — it apparently goes for S$148 (US$109) per kilogram.
Of course, Singapore being one of the most expensive cities to live in, Kinmemai Premium has chosen us as the first country outside of Japan to be graced with its presence.
From Nov 1, the rice will be available online at $155 for a box of six 140g sachets, according to The Straits Times. So if you’d like to sample a taste of the high-priced grains, start saving up now.
But before you toss your hard-earned money to the rice makers, here’s a little info about the brand. Kinmemai Premium is a blend of five rice varieties, including Koshihikari and Pikamaru. These come from different producers in prefectures like Gunma, Nagano and Niigata, and the blend can vary from year to year, depending on the flavor profiles of each rice type.
Toyo Rice Corp, the Wakayama-based firm that produces Kinmemai rice products, says that the rinse-free rice is milled using its patented rice technology, which uses gentler and more precise polishing methods that preserve beneficial elements and vitamins. That means you won’t have to wash the rice before cooking, but it’s recommended that you soak it for 30 minutes for optimal flavor.
Kinmemai Premium is apparently better in flavor, sweetness and nutritional value when compared with conventional Japanese rice. But if you’re not so keen to splurge on a mere bag of rice, try the way more affordable Kinmemai Better White ($9.40) or Better Brown ($9.80) varieties already available at supermarkets here.
After conquering Singapore, the company is reportedly looking to bring its Kinmemai Premium rice range to Hong Kong and the US as well.
